Bell relents, signs tender offer with Bears

April 25, 2012|By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter

Chicago Bears running back Kahlil Bell signed his tender as a restricted free agent tender Wednesday after he did not receive an offer from another club.

The tender means Bell will earn $1.26 million in his fourth season with the team. He was projected to be the backup to Matt Forte this season, but the Bears signed Michael Bush in free agency to a $14 million, four-year contract. That means Bell will be No. 3 on the depth chart again.

Bell performed well last season when he had opportunities late in the year. Bell had 337 yards on 79 carries when he was spelling Forte and the departed Marion Barber. He rushed for 240 yards in the final three weeks of the season.

Bell adds value as a special teams contributor. The period for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets from other teams ended Friday.